We spend about one-third of our lives in bed—and that's only when we're asleep. Consider all of the other things we do there—snuggle, lounge, convalesce, tickle the kids, curl up with a book, take breakfast on a tray on a lazy weekend.

The bed is perhaps the most important furniture purchase you will ever make. It is the focal point of your bedroom and also the birthplace of your dreams. The following tips and facts from the experts at Bernhardt Furniture will help you choose a bed that uniquely suits you, and that you will love for years to come.

A Bedtime Story

Take careful measurements of your bedroom before purchasing a bed. Keep in mind that you will need about two feet on both sides for easy bed-making, and that heavy bedding, such as a down comforter, can add several inches to the size of your bed.

Consider the height of the tallest person who will be sleeping in the bed, and add three to four inches to determine how much length you will need. Remember that a standard twin and full are five inches shorter (as well as several inches narrower) than a standard queen or king.

Think about the way you use your bed, and the things you do there. Do you read nightly? Then look for a headboard that is supportive and comfortable, and pillows that will prop you accordingly.

Seek out a bed that is stable and solid in construction. Look underneath the bed, where you can see some clues as to how it has been made. If it's a wooden bed, be sure that the legs and head are bolted, which will avoid friction and secure the bed's position on the floor.

Choose a style that fits your personality. Follow your fancy, whether it leads you to a gauzy, romantic canopy or an elegant sleigh bed with carved woodwork.